How to celebrate Memorial Day at home virtually

Memorial Day is an annual day meant to honor and remember military personnel who died in service to their country. Celebrations for the holiday, which occurs on the last Monday in May, won't look like they have in prior years, however, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Typical gatherings — including having extended family and friends over for a barbecue — likely won't happen for most people despite Gov. Brian Kemp reopening Georgia's economy in April.

But that doesn't mean there aren't other ways you can recognize the holiday at home. Here are five activities Good Housekeeping reports you can do to celebrate Memorial Day while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Get patriotic with chalk art

Much like metro Atlantans have done throughout the pandemic, you and your family can use chalk as a creative way to mark the holiday. Illustrate a patriotic mural or scribble a thank you message to veterans in your driveway or a nearby walkway, if it's allowed.

» Marietta woman showcases creativity amid self-isolation with fantasy drawings

Donate flowers to a fallen hero

Georgia is home to several national cemeteries, including some in metro Atlanta. On Memorial Day, recognize veterans by donating flowers to their grave through Memorial Day Flowers, an organization that coordinates placing flowers for interned veterans.

Decorate your space in red, white and blue

You may be unable to have your usual gatherings, but that doesn't mean you can't decorate. Hang some red, white and blue decor around your home to mark the holiday. There are lots of ideas on Pinterest — including edible creations.

Watch the National Memorial Day Concert

While the yearly National Memorial Day Concert won't happen on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol this year, the event will still air at 8 p.m. Sunday, May 24 on PBS. Actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise will host a special presentation of the illustrious concert, which will include new performances and tributes filmed in different locations around the nation and renowned stories from past concerts.

Post a social media tribute

If you know someone who died in battle while in service to the country, Memorial Day could be a good time to remember them online. Take to Facebook or Twitter to share a heartfelt ode to a fallen hero. Beginning next year, Facebook’s Memories feature will remind you of the tribute for years to come.

Hear veterans’ stories in their own words

StoryCorps offers a variety of oral stories from service members, veterans and their families through its Military Voices Initiative. "In doing so we honor their voices, amplify their experiences, and let them know that we—as a nation—are listening," the website said.

Fly a flag

One of the simplest and most poignant ways of celebrating Memorial Day at home is to place an American flag outside your home. When doing so, be sure to follow the proper etiquette and guidelines in the U.S. Flag Code.

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